The future of complete prosthodontics.

An improved elastomer with an optimum balance of mechanical properties, processability, environmental stability, colorability, and esthetics, for use in fabricating extraoral maxillofacial prostheses, was sought, An arylene silicone polymer, polytetramethylsilphenylenesiloxanedimethylsiloxane, was synthesized and formulated as a pourable, viscous, room-temperature-vulcanizing liquid. Silphenylene polymers are colorless and will accept either intrinsic or extrinsic coloration. When mixed with conventional catalysts, the silphenylene vulcanizates can be easily and reliably cast in closed dental stone molds to give prostheses that are strong and tough yet soft and pliable.